Pregnancy

Regular prenatal visits are extremely important to ensure optimal health throughout the; pregnancy process. During the first six months of pregnancy, women need monthly visits with their health care provider. Within the seventh and eighth month of pregnancy, women need biweekly visits with their health care provider. In the ninth month of pregnancy, women need weekly checkups to ensure a safe, healthy delivery.

Special circumstances including health difficulties that multiply pregnancy risk factors will substantially increase checkup frequency. Prenatal care is more than just health care while you are pregnant. Your health care provider may discuss many issues, such as nutrition and physical activity, what to expect during the birth process and basic skills for caring for your newborn.

Some things you might do when you are pregnant could hurt your baby, such as smoking or drinking. Some medicines can also be a problem, even ones that a doctor prescribed. You will need to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet. In early pregnancy, you may get morning sickness, or nausea. You may also be tired and need more rest

Physical changes are normal throughout the pregnancy process. Don't hesitate to call your health care provider if something is bothering or worrying you.

When you are ready to have your baby, you'll go through labor. Contractions let you know labor is starting. When contractions are five minutes apart, your body is ready to push the baby out.

During the first stage of labor, your cervix slowly opens, or dilates, to about 4 inches wide. At the same time, it becomes thinner. This is called effacement. You shouldn't push until your uterus is fully effaced and dilated. After the uterus is fully effaced, the stage of delivery starts. Crowning is when your baby's scalp comes into view. Shortly afterward, your baby is born. The placenta that nourished the baby follows.

Mothers and babies are monitored closely during labor. Most women are healthy enough to have a baby through normal vaginal delivery, meaning that the baby comes down the birth canal without surgery. If there are complications, the baby may need to be delivered surgically by a Cesarean section.

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